Press Room

WCBS-FM, ONE OF NEW YORK’S MOST “CLASSIC” ICONS, IS BACK ON THE FM DIAL

Signature Sound Of The Station Makes Its Long Awaited Return On Thursday, July 12; Listeners Invited To “Come Back To CBS-FM And Let’s Get On With The Show”

Programming To Feature The Greatest Hits Of The 60s, 70s And 80s, An Array Of Classics From The CBS-FM Archive Vault, And Highlights From The Station’s Hall Of Fame

Dan Taylor, Bob Shannon And Mr. G Make Triumphant Return To The Station

A little over two years since the radio station’s format was changed to JACK FM/adult hits, CBS-FM’s legendary sound will mark its return to the New York market beginning on Thursday, July 12 at 1:01PM, ET. Once again the music of the 60s, 70s and 80s will be heard at 101.1 – home for more than 30 years to the greatest hits of those eras.

Beginning with songs from the Beatles, Motown and the Beach Boys, and continuing through the late 80s, CBS-FM will feature hit music from artists such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Earth Wind & Fire, Rod Stewart, the Bee Gees, Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Frankie Valli, and John Mellencamp, among many others.

Additionally, Dan Taylor has been named as the station’s new morning show host (6:00-10:00AM), along with contributors Mr. G (weather) and Al Meredith (news headlines). Bob Shannon also marks his return to the station as host of middays (10:00AM-3:00PM), and is joined on-air by market staple Broadway Bill Lee who will host afternoon drive (3:00-7:00PM).

“Above all else, it is an honor to bring CBS-FM back to New York,” said Jennifer Donohue, Vice President and General Manager, WCBS-FM. “Having been a long time employee and personal fan of the station I truly understand what an emotional moment it was when New Yorkers had to say goodbye to their favorite radio station. We acknowledge and appreciate the loyal fan base who’ve never stopped asking for the format’s return, and now we’re thrilled to be back - better than before - with updated features, incredible on-air production, the best combination of legendary New York personalities, and of course hundreds of ‘The Greatest Hits Of All Time.’”

Donohue added, “We firmly believe that as the radio industry moves towards electronic audience measurement, the popularity of the classic hits format will experience a resurgence – not unlike what we’re seeing at our radio station in Philadelphia, WOGL-FM. There’s no denying the mass appeal a station like CBS-FM can have in the market, and hundreds of thousands of listeners won’t be the only ones who benefit from the intimate connection they’ll form with the station. Between the over-the-air product, our online offerings, as well as digital and mobile applications, advertisers will have more choices than ever before to reach this enormous pool of potential customers.”

“CBS-FM will be a station that celebrates its past with an updated sound appealing to a whole new generation of listeners on many levels,” said Brian Thomas, Program Director of CBS-FM. “The role we play in the community and the responsibility we have to our listeners will be treated with respect as we reintroduce the station back into the fabric of the City.”

Programming highlights:

→ Hall of Fame: thousands of digitally re-mastered cuts highlighting artists that have historical significance in New York and are not featured in the station’s day to day playlist;

→ www.wcbsfm.com: a fully interactive website featuring video, live audio streaming, and “Decades on Demand” where listeners will have the ability to hear music just from the 60s, 70s, 80s or the CBS Hall of Fame;

→ Mobile Messaging: listeners can receive text messages, or have their own personal dedication sent to a family member or friend, prior to their requested song being played.

In a related announcement, JACK FM will be available on-air on CBS-FM’s HD 2 channel as well as streamed online at www.ilikejack.com.